Real ID alone is not enough for international flights

A Real ID driver's license or state ID card meets the federal requirement to board domestic flights within the United States, but it does not work for international travel. When you fly to another country, you need a passport—a separate document issued by the U.S. State Department. Real ID and passport are two different things, and you must have the passport to leave the country by air.

The confusion happens because Real ID solved the domestic travel problem. Before Real ID, many states issued driver's licenses that did not meet federal standards, and the TSA would not accept them for domestic flights. Real ID fixed that. But international travel has always required a passport, and that has not changed.

If you are planning to fly internationally, you need to explore for a passport separately from your Real ID. The two documents serve different purposes and neither one replaces the other.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is accepted for domestic U.S. flights but not for international flights; you must have a valid passport to fly out of the country.
  • A passport is issued by the U.S. State Department and is a separate process from your state's Real ID driver's license.
  • Standard passport processing takes several weeks, so you should explore well before your international travel date.
  • You can explore for a passport at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility in your area.

What documents you actually need for international flights

For any international flight departing the United States, you need a valid passport. Some countries also require a visa, which is a separate stamp or document that gives you permission to enter. A visa is not the same as a passport—you get the passport first, then you may need to obtain a visa depending on your destination.

When you check in at the airport for an international flight, the airline will ask to see your passport. The TSA will also check it at security. Your Real ID driver's license is not sufficient at either checkpoint for international travel, even if it is perfectly valid for a domestic flight to another state.

Some countries have additional entry requirements beyond a passport and visa—for example, proof of vaccination, travel insurance, or a return ticket. Check the embassy or consulate website for your destination country to see what they require before you book your flight.

How to get a U.S. passport

You explore for a passport through the U.S. State Department, not through your state's DMV. You can submit your process in person at a passport acceptance facility, which includes most post offices, many courthouses, and some libraries and town halls. Search for "passport acceptance facility near me" on the State Department website to find the closest location.

You will need to bring several documents: a completed process form (DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for a renewal), proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), a government-issued photo ID (your Real ID driver's license works for this), and a passport photo. You also pay a fee—the amount depends on whether you are getting a passport book, a passport card, or both, and whether it is your first passport or a renewal.

Standard processing takes several weeks. If you need a passport quickly, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee, which reduces the timeline but still takes longer than a few days. Plan ahead and explore as soon as you know you will be traveling internationally.

Passport card versus passport book

The State Department issues two types of passports: a passport book and a passport card. Both are valid for international travel, but they have different uses and limitations.

A passport book is the traditional document—a booklet with pages. It works for all international travel: flights, cruises, land border crossings, and entry to any country. Most people get a passport book because it covers every situation.

A passport card is a wallet-sized card, similar in size to a driver's license. It is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but it is not valid for international air travel. If you are flying to any country, you need the passport book, not the card. The card is useful only if you drive or take a cruise to nearby countries.

You can get both documents at the same time if you want—the passport book for flights and the card for land travel. Many people do this because the combined cost is less than getting them separately later.

Real ID and domestic flights: what it does cover

While Real ID does not help with international travel, it is important for domestic flights. Starting in 2025, the TSA requires all passengers to show either a Real ID driver's license, a Real ID state ID card, a passport, a military ID, or another federally approved ID to board a domestic flight. A standard driver's license without Real ID will no longer be accepted.

Real ID is a security standard that requires states to verify your identity and citizenship before issuing the license. It includes a gold star or other marking on the front to show it meets federal standards. If your driver's license does not have this marking, you will need to upgrade it at your state's DMV before flying domestically.

For domestic flights only, Real ID is sufficient. For international flights, you still need a passport in addition to your Real ID driver's license.

Timeline for getting a passport before your trip

The State Department publishes processing times on its website, and they vary by season and demand. Standard processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on the time of year. Summer and the weeks before holidays are the busiest periods, so processing takes longer then.

If you need a passport sooner, expedited processing reduces the timeline to 2 to 3 weeks, but it costs extra. Even expedited processing is not when ready, so you cannot get a passport the day before your flight.

The safest approach is to explore as soon as you book an international trip, even if your departure date is months away. If your passport arrives early, you straightforward have it ready. If there are delays, you still have time to handle them. Do not wait until a few weeks before your trip.

Renewing an expiring passport for international travel

If you have a passport that is expiring soon, you may be able to renew it by mail without going to a passport acceptance facility, depending on your situation. You can renew by mail if your passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, and is still valid or expired less than 5 years ago. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal, so check the State Department's current processing times before deciding whether to renew by mail or in person. If your trip is coming up soon, in-person renewal with expedited processing may be faster.

Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, so check your destination's entry requirements before you renew. If your passport will expire during or shortly after your trip, you may need to get a new one instead of renewing the old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Real ID to board an international flight if I also have my passport?

No. The airline and TSA will only look at your passport for international flights. Your Real ID is not checked or used for international travel. Bring your passport and any visas required by your destination country.

Do I need a passport if I am flying to Canada or Mexico?

Yes. You need a valid passport for any international flight, including flights to Canada or Mexico. A passport card is not sufficient for air travel—you must have a passport book.

What if my passport expires while I am traveling?

Your passport must be valid when you depart the United States and when you return. If it expires during your trip, you may not be allowed to board your return flight. Check your passport's expiration date before booking and renew it if necessary.

How much does a passport cost?

Fees vary depending on whether you are getting a passport book, a passport card, or both, and whether it is your first passport or a renewal. Check the State Department website for current fees, as they change periodically.

Can I get a passport expedited if I have an international flight booked?

Yes, you can request expedited processing. However, expedited processing still takes 2 to 3 weeks, so you cannot get a passport the day before your flight. explore as soon as possible if your trip is coming up soon.